Rib and chicken BBQ set at St. Basil's

St. Basil's Ukrainian Catholic Church will hold a rib and chicken barbecue from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 27 at the church, 12 Embry Place, Lancaster. Advance tickets are $8 for chicken, $9.50 for ribs, and may be purchased by sending a check to the church.

The American Red Cross, Greater Buffalo Chapter is seeking volunteers for training and deployment in the event a tropical storm or hurricane strikes the Gulf Coast.

According to Nancy Blaschak, executive director of the Greater Buffalo Chapter, The American Red Cross is calling for 5,000 people to be trained to supervise and manage shelters in the Gulf Coast.

"Since hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated much of the area last year, thousands of people are still living in trailers and housing unable to withstand a storm," she said. " If a storm of any magnitude should hit the Gulf Coast, we are preparing to evacuate disaster victims and house them in temporary shelters."

The Greater Buffalo Chapter is looking to recruit and train at least 750 volunteers who are available for deployment on short notice between Aug. 29 and Oct. 31.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age with no health restrictions and be willing to undergo a background check, able to lift up to 50 pounds and prepared to go out on a hardship assignment that would last at least two to three weeks.

Training for running emergency shelters will be held at

the American Red Cross, 786 Delaware Ave. (corner of Summer Street) on the following dates and times:

Sept. 6, 2-6 p.m.; Sept. 8, 2 -6 p.m.; Sept. 9, noon-5 p.m.; Sept. 11, 6-10 p.m.; Sept. 13, 2 -6 p.m.; Sept. 18, 6 -10 p.m.; Sept. 20, 2-6 p.m.; Sept. 23, noon-5 p.m.; Sept. 25, 6-10 p.m.; and Sept. 27. 2-6 p.m.

Prospective volunteers should call 878-2358 for more information.

The Red Cross chose 20 chapters, including the Greater Buffalo Chapter, for this project based on specific criteria including their location outside of coastal areas, Blaschak said.

"In addition, the Red Cross chose chapters that already have successful and well established volunteer recruitment program," she said. "As well as strong disaster training and response capabilities."

The American Red Cross, Greater Buffalo Chapter prepares for, and responds to, community disasters and emergencies to help people lead safe and healthy lives.

The American Red Cross is one of the oldest and largest volunteer-driven organizations in the United States and locally depends on the contributions of 800 volunteers to provide its emergency service and health education programs.